Duck Lake nobody wants to be here and nobody wants to leave

he lapped at the water, wincing at the brace of cold that stung his teeth and tongue. a noise clattered ahead and he lifted his muzzle from the dark depths, his green eyes following the figure of a wolf. she approached with a brazen flit to her step. he watched her suspiciously, bristling slightly as she crossed the thin film of snow and pulled quickly into his personal space.

he did not understand the language she employed but from her suggestive expression he could deduce her intention. he licked his lips and was about to extend his muzzle in greeting when the crunch of rapid footfall and the fleeting shape of grey broke over the knoll. one wolf might have been okay but two wolves could easily kill him. his ears flew back instantly and with natural agility he quickly moved away from the first wolf's company. it was clear the galloping form was aiming for the wolf that had just hailed him, and ich'aak, knowing how quickly wolves could dispatch a coyote, wasted no time in putting distance between them.